By Arun Kumar Singhal
In a corner of my study rests a machine that has been by my side since the early nineteen-nineties, a loyal companion with metal keys, ink ribbons, and a voice that resonates with every idea I strike onto the page. To many today, it may seem like a relic from a forgotten era, almost laughable in a world dominated by touchscreens, auto-correct, and fast-swiping digital sophistication. Many from Gen Z and Alpha (and even some Millennials) may have never seen it. Yet for me, this old typewriter remains a treasured source of comfort, creativity, and clarity, still in use alongside my other high-tech gadgets.
Its keys are old, but its wisdom is timeless.
When I place a sheet of paper into its carriage, the world slows down. The clacking of the keys becomes a rhythmic reminder that writing is not merely about finishing quickly, it is about creating thoughtfully. Unlike modern devices, where the convenience of instant deletion often leads to constant back-and-forth revisions, the typewriter demands patience. Every word must be thought through before the finger presses the key. And in that single extra moment of thought, better stories are often born.
Sometimes, slowing down writes better stories.
This machine has witnessed my earliest attempts at storytelling, professional letters, and countless musings of the heart. Its imperfections, smudged ink, misaligned letters, the occasional margin slip, have shaped a discipline no digital tool can replicate. It has taught me to appreciate the process as much as the result.
In a fast world, the typewriter reminds us to pause.
In these moments of pause, I rediscover something essential, a connection to where my writing began. The typewriter is more than a tool; it is a keeper of memories, a symbol of resilience, and a grounding force amid the rapid pace of progress. Some things, indeed, only grow richer with time.
As we step into a future overflowing with possibilities, may we embrace advancement with gratitude, yet never lose sight of the roots that formed us. Technology will continue to evolve, and we will keep moving forward, but I hope we all find the time to cherish the simple, steady devices that taught us patience, focus, and joy in creation.
May we grow upwards while remembering the roots below.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and deeply satisfying New Year 2026.
(The writer, a Doon resident for nearly five decades, enjoys exploring everyday life through his writings across diverse themes.)
